The Ghost Inside’s drummer gets back behind the kit after leg amputation

Andrew Tkaczyk is back on the skins for the first time since last November’s tour bus accident.

For the past five months we’ve been keeping a watchful eye on Californian metalcore outfit The Ghost Inside as they recover from injuries sustained in a horrific tour bus accident last November (http://pilerats.com/music/bands/the-ghost-inside-update/). All members suffered serious injuries and they’ve been in and out of hospital for the best part of five months. Guitarist Zach Johnson lost a couple of toes, vocalist Jonathan Vigil has a serious bone infection and is still using a wheelchair and walking frame to get around, and most tragically; drummer Andrew Tkaczyk woke from the accident to find that he’d had a leg amputated below the knee.

It can be difficult to find positives in a situation as fucked up as this; a much loved band who are well known for being some of the loveliest, friendliest guys going around, now faced with the kind of adversity most of us could only imagine; but today there was some truly heartwarming news from TGI’s corner for both the band and fans alike. Following The Ghost Inside’s announcement last week that they’ll be playing Warped Tour 2017; Drummer Andrew Tkaczyk posted a video of his first time drumming since the accident and his leg amputation surgery along with this statement:

‘Today was a huge baby step. I sat behind a drum kit for the first time since the accident, and it felt incredible. EVERY encouraging word and support from you all has gotten me to this point. I may not reply to every single person, but I've read EVERY single message/comment etc. from every single one of you. Thank you all so much for being on my side on this journey, it means more than words can describe. Also couldn't have done this without my TGI family and friends. Also my amazing sponsors at @sjcdrums @zildjiancompanyAnd @vicfirth You're fuel to my fire, now watch me burn.’